Glendora vandalism case sent to D.A.'s office

The case of two Glendora teenagers accused of vandalizing the political signs of city officials seeking reelection was referred Monday to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office for possible prosecution, said Glendora Police Chief Chuck Montoya.

Montoya, who had declined to comment on the case in detail last week, on Monday rebutted some claims by the young women after they were arrested the night of Feb. 19. Although they said that they were held by police until nearly 2 a.m., Montoya said they were released about 12:25 a.m.

Montoya also said that Christina Giammalva and Keleigh Marshall, both 18, had told police that Marshall's mother was paying for them to deface the signs. Although the teenagers said they believed their act was legal because the signs were posted on public property -- in violation of election rules approved the council -- Montoya disagreed.

"The fact that a campaign sign may be improperly posted does not mean that the sign can be vandalized with impunity," he said in a statement.

Their arrests have stirred considerable anger in Glendora, where city elections are being held today. The two teenagers are expected to appear in court April 20.